Teen Therapy in Bellingham, WA

This is one of the most common things parents tell us. A few things that help: frame it as their space, not a place where you send information about them. Let them know they’re in charge of what they talk about. Sometimes a single “just try it once” conversation with a therapist — with no pressure to continue — is enough to open the door. We’re happy to talk with you about how to have that conversation.

For individual therapy: Some of our providers are in-network with Premera and those providers bill Premera directly for individual counseling services. We are out of network with all other insurances. This means that payment is due at the time of service. We can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement for any out-of-network mental health benefits you may have via your plan.

For couples and family therapy: This is a private pay service only. In couples and family counseling, we identify all members of the relationship jointly as our client. We do not identify an individual client with a mental health disorder diagnosis. This means that our couples and family counseling services are not considered to be “Medically Necessary” by insurance companies and are not covered by insurance.

For therapy intensives: IFS individual therapy intensives and EFT couples therapy intensives are private pay only and are not covered by insurance.

Our rates for 50-minute individual and couple’s therapy sessions range from $160-$215, depending on the provider. 80-minute sessions are available upon request and cost 1.5 times the 50-minute amount. Please inquire about rates for individual and couple’s therapy intensives.

In Washington State, teens 13 and older have confidentiality rights over their mental health care. There are important exceptions — if your teen is in danger, we will always inform you. Outside of safety concerns, we work with your teen to decide what to share and when, and we actively encourage teens to keep their parents in the loop in ways that feel safe to them.

Teen therapy is more conversational and insight-focused than the play-based approaches we use with younger children. Teens are working on identity, independence, and belonging. The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a place to practice those things. We also involve parents differently, balancing your teenager’s growing need for autonomy with your role as their caregiver.

Most teenagers benefit from 6–12 months of therapy, though this varies depending on what they’re working through. We set goals together at the start and check in regularly to make sure therapy is moving in a direction that makes sense.

Yes, fully and affirmingly. Our therapists provide identity-affirming care for teens exploring gender, sexuality, and all aspects of who they are, in a space that is completely nonjudgmental and safe.

If your teenager is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or take them to your nearest emergency room. We are not a crisis service but we do work with teens navigating suicidal ideation and self-harm in an ongoing therapy context, and we will always help you determine the right level of care.